Ferdinand fears for England days

09 June 2012 06:47

Viewed : 105

Rio Ferdinand has accepted his England career is almost certainly over, ending his dream of winning 100 international caps.

Ferdinand, 33, has been controversially overlooked for Euro 2012 by new manager Roy Hodgson - a move that drew criticism in the first instance and even more so when the inexperienced Martin Kelly was chosen to replace Gary Cahill when he withdraw through injury.

The Manchester United defender is now ready to regretfully close the book on his England days, albeit without formally retiring, and told The Sun: "You would have to say it might be over with England for me. If I'm not getting picked now, especially when people are out injured, then it's unlikely I will be picked again."

He added: "I always said I wouldn't retire from international football until I stopped playing and I won't. I will still be available."

Ferdinand would probably have a century of caps in the bank already were it not for a series of injury problems and an eight-month ban for missing a drugs test in 2003.

Yet he remains disappointed.

"I really hoped that I would get 100 caps - but for various reasons it hasn't happened," he said. "It's a disappointment but it just shows you can never take anything for granted in football.

"If you aren't disappointed by being left at home when your country is playing in tournaments like this then there's a problem and you shouldn't be in professional football.

"I'm in this game to achieve as much as I can. I'm paid to win and be a sore loser. I want to play in the big games and win big trophies. If that's a crime then I'm a criminal."